Downtown in Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, April 11, 2009

1. Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll Marker

Inscription. When radio station WJW disc jockey Alan Freed (1921-1965) used the term "rock and roll" to describe the uptempo black rhythm and blues records he played beginning in 1951, he named a new genre of popular music that appealed to audiences on both sides of 1950s American racial boundaries--and dominated American culture for the rest of the 20th century. The popularity of Freed's nightly "Moon Dog House Rock and Roll Party" radio show encouraged him to organize the Moondog Coronation Ball--the first rock concert. Held at the Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952, the oversold show was beset by a riot during the first set. Freed, a charter inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, moved to WINS in New York City in 1954 and continued to promote rock music through radio, television, movies, and live performances.

Erected 2003 by the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 46-18.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1903.

Location. 41°

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30.509′ N, 81° 41.656′ W. Marker is in Cleveland, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. It is in Downtown. It is on East 9th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cleveland OH 44114, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore

and in the Western Reserve.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd (a few steps from this marker); Arch C. Klumph (within shouting distance of this marker); Since 1775 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Moses Cleaveland (about 500 feet away); Building Strong for Cleveland (about 500 feet away); Depthcharge damage to Cod's deck plates (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mark 14 Torpedo (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hanson Torpedo Truck (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cleveland.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Christopher Busta-Peck, April 11, 2009

2. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Photographed by Craig Doda, March 8, 2026

3. Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2009, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,120 times since then and 114 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 15, 2009, by Christopher Busta-Peck of Shaker Heights, Ohio. 3. submitted on March 22, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.